Tips on applying for our team

Now that you have learned why King County is a great place to work and you're ready to take the next step, read these tips on applying for our team.

Submitting your application

• You can apply online for most of our jobs. A few jobs may not be in our online application system, but this will be clearly stated on the job announcement.
• Please review the job announcement carefully for minimum qualifications and requirements.
• Provide the information requested.
• Do not type “see resume” on your application. We receive more than 10,000 applications a year for a few hundred positions, so use the application to provide details of your work experience, education, certifications, licenses, and any other information that demonstrates your strengths and qualifications for the position.
• Submit an application only for positions which we are currently trying to fill. We can accept applications only for positions that are currently open for recruitment.
• If you would like to request an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact us at hrcentral@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7340. King County fully supports the Americans With Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodation.
• If you are interested in a position that is not currently advertised, sign up to receive notification by e-mail.
• Learn about our organization. Read our website so that you know about King County and our mission, vision, and goals.

Using the online application system

• If this is the first time you are applying online for one of our jobs, you will need to create an account. Read these tips about how to apply for our jobs.
• Save your work! Any time you see an option to save the information you entered, use it. The system allows only a short period of time to complete each section before you must save your work.
• If you need technical assistance with the online application system (for example, you are having a problem logging in that isn't solved by using the lost password help feature or you are having a problem attaching a document), please call 1-888-NEOGOV1 (1-888-636-4681).
• If you have any questions about a job announcement, e-mail us at hrcentral@kingcounty.gov.
• Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online or if you are applying for a job that is not in our online application system, submit a King County application form and answers to any required supplemental questions (you may also submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the paper application form). Please note that our offices are open until 4:30 pm PT. Therefore, if you use a paper application, it must be received before 4:30 pm on the date the announcement closes. Send your application (including all required materials) to: Human Resources Division, Job Application, 500 4th Avenue, Room 450, Seattle, WA 98104.

After you submit your application

• Be patient. After the position closes, we carefully review all applications received. This may take several weeks, and the actual selection and hiring process may last from 4 weeks to several months. We will contact you as soon as possible.
• If you applied online, you can check the status of your application by logging into the online application system and clicking "Application Status".
• Your application will be considered and reviewed in comparison with the other applications we received so that we can identify the most-qualified applicants. Depending on this review, you may be invited to participate in additional selection activities such as tests or interviews. We may also conduct reference checks or background checks.

Hiring process

King County requires applicants to compete for career service and civil service positions. A combination of examinations are used in the selection process to determine which applicant best matches the position. Examinations include questionnaires, written tests, oral tests, and performance tests. An applicant must meet the published qualifications to be considered for the position. Any misrepresentation, incomplete and/or inaccurate information may be cause for application rejection, removal from the employment list, and/or discharge from County employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, sensory, mental or physical disability; or veteran status; or any non-job related factor.

Reasonable Accommodation

Accommodations: If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact us at hrcentral@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7340. King County fully supports the Americans With Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodation.

Civil Service Rules - King County Sheriff's Office

Recruitment and selection for the King County Sheriff's Office is conducted according to Civil Service Rules (see Civil Service Rules part 1 (PDF 1 MB) and Civil Service Rules part 2) (PDF 1 MB). RCW 41.14.010 states: “The general purpose of [Civil Service] is to establish a merit system of employment for county deputy sheriffs and other employees of the office of county sheriff, thereby raising the standards and efficiency of such offices and law enforcement in general.” For the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Human Resources Division for King County fulfills the Civil Service function by managing the hiring process for all of our Civil Service positions. Click here to read RCW 41.14.

Civil Service Administration, located in the Human Resources Division, manages the hiring process for most positions in the King County Sheriff’s Office. Civil Service Administration is responsible for the creation and execution of the testing process and will certify the final eligibility list for most positions within the King County Sheriff’s Office. Click here to see current civil service career opportunities with the King County Sheriff's Office.

Veteran's Preference

Pursuant to state law RCW 41.04.005 and RCW 41.04.010, special credit will be added to passing scores of qualified veterans on open examinations, when applicable.